Denise finished her UFO Wood Knots from Allison Marano's AFICC class she took in 2005! She also brought a head for Allison's the Vernal Muse doll. Another UFO from a class Denise took is Leta Benedict's "Bird Watcher". Another doll Denise brought was one she did in a class with Akiko. The detail in this doll is AMAZING!!!

Denise's Wood Knots

Denise's Vernal Muse Head

Denise's Bird Watcher

Denise's Akiko doll

Katie designed a frog pattern for our pattern book expansion (Zoo Edition) and brought her finished Felicity Frog. She's adorable!

Katie's Felicity Frog

Mary shared that she had gone to the Women's Rally in January in Indianapolis. It was a very uplifting experience for her and she was so glad she had the opportunity to go. Thank you Mary for representing those of us who did not attend.

Julie G. completed Gwendolyn, a UFO from a class she took with Allison Marano. She also brought "Fleur" from a class with Barbara Schoenoff last month.

Julie G.'s Gwendolyn

Julie G.'s Fleur

Kathryn also took the same class and brought in her completed "Fleur".

Kathryn's Fleur

Joan had been on a cruise that took her to Barbados where she hand made her own batik fabric. These fabrics are absolutely gorgeous, Joan! She also brought a popup farm she had made. Very clever!

Joan's Batik fabric

Joan's Batik fabric

Joan's popup farm

Business Meeting

We were all sad to hear that two wonderful dollmakers passed away in February, Gloria "Mimi" Winer and Barb Keeling, These ladies contributed much to the dollmaking world and will certainly by missed. Some of us were fortunate enough to have taken classes or made dolls from the patterns of these ladies which directly impacted how we make our own dolls. Dollmakers Journey carries some of their patterns. Denise brought in pictures from our Victoria Rose workshop we took with Mimi in 2000. Can you pick out our current club members from this picture? (Denise, Leslie, Ann R., and Julie W.)

Mimi Winer's Victoria Rose workshop 2000

Mary Jane told us about some of the things we could see at the Indiana Sate Museum when we go in May, from antique clothing to quilts to antique dolls. So much to see in one day!

Leslie had done a survey to determine who we might like to have this year as a guest instructor. Several to choose from and she will begin the process to see who we will be fortunate enough to have teach us.

We have eight participants in the Round Robin/Brown Bag Doll exchange. Sue, Virginia, Denise, Julie W., Leslie, Ann C., Julie G., and Kathryn all brought a bag with a naked doll body to pass on for next month. For March the recipient will put a face on the doll and do needle sculpting of the face if appropriate.
Here is the schedule we have planned:
March-Face
April-Hair
June-Clothes
August-Shoes
October-Embellishments/Accessories
Don't forget to take photos and write in the dolls journal!

At the March meeting we will work on needle books for AFICC. Cut 12 or so 4"x6" pieces of fabric. With right sides together, sew 1/4" seam all the way around leaving an opening to turn. Turn right side out and press. Bring these to the meeting and we will finish one you can keep, the others Sue will take to AFICC for our make and take project. Bring any trims/embellishments, embroidery floss, etc. you would like. Sue will have the felt for the pages or you can bring your own. You will also need a basic sewing kit with needles, scissors, etc. Here are pictures to give you some idea of what we are doing.

Outside of needle book

Inside of needle book

Front cover of needle book

The Indiana State Fair will be coming before we know it. We discussed entering dolls and ways we might promote our club at the fair. Andrea volunteered to research the possibilities.

At our April meeting we will be preparing for AFICC. We would like a display of the Tarot Challenge dolls and a display of our Elements challenge dolls. Those going will wear Tiaras so all will know who is in our club. Virginia will help us make the Tiaras at the April meeting. If you are not going to AFICC you could make a doll or child size Tiara. Sue brought a sample Tiara that Andrea modeled for us.

Andrea modeling Tiara for AFICC

After our business meeting, Andrea presented a demonstration on Needle sculpting Doll Hands. Andrea is a great teacher. Her Doll Hands are wonderful. Thanks Andrea for sharing this technique with us!

Andrea's Hand sculpting

Andrea's Hand sculpting

Andrea's Hand Demo

Next Meeting
Our next meeting is March 18, 2017 Those in the Round Robin/Brown Bag Doll Exchange will do their exchange and Sue will help us prepare our needle books for AFICC.